A few weeks after the return of their golden stars from the Western Cape, Alex Wolves rugby team is celebrating a major milestone, after six of its U15 players were selected for the prestigious Golden Lions Iqhawe Week Inter-Provincial Tournament.
Fresh from the Vuka programme, the Alex Wolves squad, drawn from multiple schools in Alexandra, competed at Marks Park against other township sides, where eight players were shortlisted for final trials.
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“They selected eight of our players, but it was not the final team. The eight were selected for the purpose of going to the final trials,” coach Khula Msothwana said.
Of the eight players, six players made the final cut for the Golden Lions Iqhawe Week team. “They played three games, won one, and narrowly lost two.”
Among the standout players was Jabu Nkosi, who described the experience as transformative. “I learned a lot of things I didn’t know. Playing with different teams taught me so much about rugby.”
He said the opportunity for him to be seen on a bigger stage was what mattered most. “There were many players gunning for my position. I didn’t think I’d make the cut, but I gave it everything I had. God did the rest.”
Jabu also shared a message for aspiring players, noting that size in rugby, doesn’t matter. “We were small, but we gave it our all and showed our best.”
Penyo Seanego, another rising star, was surprised to be selected, and also surprised to be named captain of the Iqhawe Week team. “I didn’t expect it. I didn’t trust my performance, but they said I earned the belt because of my respect and discipline.”
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Already a captain at home, Penyo leaned into his leadership instincts. “The pressure was real, but I did what I know best.”
Reflecting on the tournament, Penyo said the biggest lesson was humility. “We thought we were big and they were small, but they put us under the bus.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to earn a scholarship and, if the right eyes see him, make his way to the Springboks.
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